The effects of closed kinetic chain exercise on pain and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a narrative review

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) has become a serious public health exposure because it leads to chronic pain and minimizes physical function and quality of life (QOL). This review aimed to find out the effectiveness of closed kinetic chain exercise (CKCE) on pain, range of motion (ROM), physical function, and QOL in subjects with knee OA. Methods The design of this study was a narrative review. A computerized electronic search was performed using PEDro, PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE Register of controlled trials with keywords including osteoarthritis, knee OA, closed chain exercise, closed kinetic chain exercise, functional exercise, physiotherapy exercise, and therapeutic intervention. The inclusion criteria consisted of studies that were randomized controlled trials, published in English from 2016 to 2023. Here, allotted osteoarthritis was the primary concern, and we identified closed kinetic chain exercise as one of the treatment options. Results The initial search of the database revealed a total of 91 studies. Of those studies, 11 were selected as potentially meeting the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, six studies were retained for the final review. The evaluations suggested that CKCE has better impacts on pain, capacity, and ROM in knee OA. After reviewing, it has been revealed that at least an 8-week program with 3 sessions per week in 30 min longer might have greater effects on the CKCE program. Conclusion The results of this narrative review have shown that CKCEs are efficient for relieving pain, promoting function, increasing knee ROM, and enhancing QOL in subjects with knee OA.